The Senate Education Committee in Pennsylvania has unanimously advanced the nomination of Dr. Carrie Rowe to become the state’s Secretary of Education. The committee, chaired by Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), held a hearing where Dr. Rowe shared her professional background and priorities for the Department of Education.
Dr. Rowe is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and attended public schools in the state. Her career includes experience as a Spanish teacher, principal, superintendent, and Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education.
Senator Culver highlighted the committee’s role in evaluating nominees and maintaining oversight over state agencies. “As elected representatives, we have an obligation to ensure that the leaders of our state agencies are committed to serving taxpayers, and particularly for the Department of Education that the Secretary is committed to improving student outcomes and protecting the integrity of our education system,” Culver said. “While we may not always agree on every issue, it is essential that we work together to find solutions that best serve students and families across Pennsylvania.”
During questioning, topics included accountability measures for public schools, equitable funding for rural school districts, and coordination between higher education institutions and workforce development through the State Board of Higher Education.
After discussion, committee members voted to send Dr. Rowe’s nomination forward to the full Senate without a recommendation. If confirmed by the Senate, she will lead policies affecting more than 1.7 million public school students in Pennsylvania. Dr. Rowe has been acting as Secretary since her nomination by the Governor.
